About the RDI® Program
You’ve likely heard of the “triad” of impairments related to autism – communication issues, behavioral problems and social challenges. While there is no doubt these difficulties exist, they are not the autism, but bi-products of deeper, neurologically based processing issues.
The goal of RDI is not to “treat” the problems associated with autism, nor is RDI a form of “therapy.” Set aside what you know about currently accepted treatment modalities – Relationship Development Intervention goes much deeper.
Psychologists, Dr.’s Steve Gutstein and Rachelle Sheely, the founders of RDI® located in Houston, Texas, have devoted their lives to understanding this complex disorder. Over the last decade they have organized the latest research in the fields of neurodevelopment and developmental psychology. They have synthesized this information, examining how our minds develop from infancy on – how we learn to relate, think and problem solve through our early relationships.
They have created a systematic approach to giving children and their families the ability to “redo” the stages of development that were missed due to the child’s neurological challenges.
Certified Consultants deliver this program to parents who are dedicated to correcting the obstacles that stand between their child and true quality of life. RDI goes right to the heart of autism, and slowly and systematically corrects the core deficits of autism, which are:
- Self Awareness – the ability to understand how one’s behavior impacts others; the ability to understand and appreciate others’ unique values, beliefs and perspectives
- Episodic Memory – the ability to use past experiences to guide future behaviour, and to learn from consequences
- Flexible Thinking – the ability to flexibly and successfully cope with life’s numerous unexpected situations; to think in shades of grey, and without rigidity
- Dynamic Appraisal – the ability to filter out superfluous information on a moment-to-moment basis, and to quickly determine how to respond to it
- Experience Sharing – the ability to participate in genuine, reciprocal communication, and to enjoy the “dance” of social interaction
The RDI Program can be considered a “parenting program for parents of children with all forms of autism.” If your child is on the spectrum, you know in your heart that you can’t parent your child the way other parents raise their typically developing children. It’s no wonder why as parents, we feel so perplexed, frustrated and incompetent. Due to your child’s neurological makeup, typical development is rendered impossible. As a result, you have lost the ability for you and your child to relate emotionally, for your child to identify with you, and for him to develop resilience. I can help you to reclaim your child, and to regain your role as a competent guide.
Throughout the course of your journey, you will be able to:
- Re-establish a genuine relationship with your child
- Normalize family life and improve quality of life for all family members
- Regain your feelings of competence as a guide to your child
- Enable your child to develop resilience, to develop thinking and problem solving abilities, and to think flexibly and authentically
If you would like to learn more about this life altering program, please contact me.
